Shen-Val-Lore
The Student Voice of Shenandoah Valley
International student exchange Program with IsaM - argentina
May 27th - July 1st
Filled with innumerable positive and only few negative experiences, SVA’s 2014 summer’s international exchange program with ISAM, the Instituto Superior Adventista in Misiones, Argentina, proved to be unforgettable. Bright and early, Tuesday, May 27, selected students James Matthews, Reiss Ramirez, River Anderson, and Sarah Lim (all seniors) departed from the parking lot behind SVA’s weight room, ready for the long journey to Argentina. The trip from Dulles to Buenos Aires proved to be a long one. The first leg ended with a layover in El Salvador, the second to Lima, and at last, our destination. Each flight was around four hours long, and each layover was about 1-2 hours. On arrival at the capital city, a tour of the widest avenue in the world (the Avenue de Julio), the Casa Rosada (their equivalent of the White House), and the general downtown was initi-
ated. These first impressions of the Argentinian lifestyle, culture, and cities proved to be invaluable.
After receiving a day’s break from hectic traveling, the group was ready to head over to the school, with whom SVA had set up the exchange program. The school, as mentioned, is located in the province of Misiones, a few hours away from the borders of Brazil and Paraguay, and 13 hours away by bus from where the group was in Buenos Aire. A cultural thing to note is that in South America, the greyhound sort of buses used for long distance traveling have first class airline sort of seats that recline quite comfortably, and depending on the departure times, one can travel to his or her destination overnight. That is exactly what happened. Thursday evening, SVA boarded a bus headed for the station in Leandro N. Alem, a city near ISAM. Upon our arrival at the school Friday afternoon, we
were greeted by super-excited roommates and Kevin Utz (if one remembers, he was one of last year’s exchange students to here at SVA).
Very different from the living conditions Americans are used to, the school was in a jungle-type of area, very rainy, very wet, with red clay dirt, which may have been a shock to some of us. Also, just coming down from the Virginian summer weather, the winter of South America was an interesting aspect.
Unpacking and socializing with the new roommates, who had the privilege of ditching school for that period of time, was the priority before heading out of the dorm to the school area. It was coincidentally break time for the students when we were done unpacking, and as we headed out, a whole bunch of students crowded around, trying to talk to an American, and trying out the minimal English words they had learned over the years. This part was another culture shock which we would have to get accustomed to, because unlike here in the USA, where an international student appears at school and most students are super calm about it, for them, it was like a cultural expectation for them to greet the new people, accept them and try to be their best friend forever. The way people greeted each other, also, was a new thing. Unlike American’s usual high five or hand shake, in the province of Misiones, people greeted each other by kissing on both cheeks, no matter the gender.
We spent the weekend trying to catch up on a lot, but most obviously, we would learn the most about the school life in school. As we joined their school year on the following Monday, we learned that the classes there were sort of like a block schedule with breaks in the middle of every other class, but also the students did not have to switch classrooms; only the teachers packed their stuff to go to whichever students they were going to teach next. There were five grades in ISAM’s high school, although in Argentina it is generally six years. ISAM started out with the 8th graders as freshmen, with two different classes for each grade. For instance, we were all put in the junior year, the 4th grade. Two of us were placed in 4th A and 2 of us were placed in 4th B. The only thing that differed about these two classes was their homeroom. Otherwise, they are all of the same grade/class. School for the high schoolers started at 7:00 am, with a flag raising and announcements at the courtyard, and ended at 12:30 or 11:50, depending on the day. (The elementary students used the same exact classrooms in the afternoon, starting around 1:00.) After lunch, the academy students could work, “external” students, or the village students, could go home, or they could just chill until the PE classes in the afternoon, twice a week.
The students’ spiritual life seemed quite strong at ISAM. Students preached and led out in worship, which occurred at
the church (located right on the school campus, just like SVA) twice a week - Wednesday nights and Friday nights, with daily vespers in the respective dorms on the other days.
During the five-week stay, we experienced many new things; new foods, new people, new places, new situations. We had the opportunity to go see Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Although we could not go to see the whole view on the Argentinian side due to major flooding weeks before, the idea that Niagara is just a miniscule waterfall in comparison was firmly established. A visit to Las Marias, a famous tea plantation, the first experience of asado, their style of open oven barbeque, the trip to Obera Hot Springs, and the tour of UAP, the Universidad Adventista de Plata, where Melissa from last year’s exchange group and Gabriel or the “tall Brazilian” from last year both attend college, all add to our list of unforgettable experiences. The fellow classmates and friends in the dorm, we will never forget, with all the bonding time we spent, speaking Spanish! This once in a lifetime experience will never be forgotten. It is quite important that students have the chance to go experience life in another country, so they can broaden the spectrum of how they see the world.
Pictures on p.6
it is quite important that students have the chance to go experience life in another country, so they can broaden the spectrum of how they see the world.
“Seniors! Seniors!” The chants could be heard throughout the boys’ dorm as the seniors boys went about their business packing shoes, socks, sleeping bags, and whatever they felt would help them survive the legendary harsh conditions of Senior Survival. You could feel the excitement—it was in the air, along with a tinge of anxiety and tension. We knew we were going to have fun; from what I have heard, Senior Survival is a highlight for the 12th graders—not just at Shenandoah Valley Academy but in other academies around the country as well. But there was something else that haunted me in the back of my mind. The fact that “survival” is in the phrase should set off an alarm; this was going to be no cakewalk, either. I knew, and so did the rest of the senior class. As the buses were loaded and the chatter was heard throughout the seats, you could look around the bus and get a sober feeling. People wore bandanas around their heads, the girls had taken off their make-up, some guys had even gone to the extent
of cutting up their class shirts to look more fitting for the occasion. You could hear the chants, the giggling, and all the commotion, but all involved looked like they were on a mission. As the bus door shut and Pastor Harley revved the engine and took off, I couldn’t help but turn around and take one last glance at the campus I call home for at least nine months of the year. “I wonder if I’ll forget how good it feels to take a shower,” I chuckled to myself.
As the rolling green mountains of Virginia passed by us on the interstate, PH asked everyone to be quiet, “Alright seniors,” he said with his trademark grin, “some of you have been waiting for this event for four years, others… not as long.” His words caught the attention of everyone on my bus and soon everything was quiet.
“During these next few days you will try to survive, it’s as simple as that. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to have fun, right?!” Everybody gave an enthusiastic “Yes!” and continued with their conversations. As we neared the camp where we would leave
the buses, people began to sit up, take their earphones out, and wake up their seatmates. We had arrived. The next three to four hours were a blur of unloading bags, backpacks, food. Once the unpacking was done, it was time to set up our shelters that would be our homes for the next three days using only twine, duct tape, and plastic trash bags. The lucky seniors that had been smart enough to bring hammocks merely put up their hammocks against trees. But the first real challenge—setting up shelter—was upon us. To make matters worse, the guys had to share the camp with a hornet’s nest. River Anderson was stung by a hornet twice, and that was all it took; the rest of the guys in the camp took off running to avoid River’s fate. Everyone just dropped what he were doing and took off!
After the “Virginia Demon Hornets” (the nickname given to our new neighbors) had calmed down, the guys cautiously returned to the camp and quickly finished setting up camp. Following the hornet ordeal came
dinner and worship, where PH talked about the history of Senior Survival and how our predecessor seniors had each gone through the five days and survived. Although PH assured us that we would be okay, some of us weren’t really sure, after all. We had already endured a hornet attack on the camp, the uncomfortable heat of the Virginia forest, and the physically demanding hike up to where we were going to be staying. Nevertheless, we really had no other option but to believe PH. We HAD to trust him. He knew what he was doing. As all the seniors groggily dragged their exhausted, worn out bodies back to our shelters, you could hear the complaints: “I just want to go back!” “I’m going to die!”
I wasn’t going to deny any of it; it had been a long day. Everyone got back to camp and within a matter of 15 minutes, not a sound was heard. The exhaustion had gotten to everyone. Before I drifted off to sleep, I threw up a quick prayer and asked God to help EVERYONE make it out alive. It was going to be a long five days in the woods.
The next day after breakfast, the seniors were rounded up and organized into three different teams in which they would compete in different events. Team A, B, and C would be going head to head, fighting for the coveted Wood Grill Buffet invitation and bragging rights for the rest of the year. As the days went on, the teams went through different events, such as wilderness survival, spiritual survival, and team survival. Each station was manned by a volunteer. Every team paid close attention and had to use brains, physical endurance, and faith in their teammates to win. The events weren’t easy and they required everything you had. It was hard. But as the days flew by and the end of Senior Survival crept closer and closer, we began to notice a change in everyone. The woods? They didn’t seem so scary. The hornets? They left you alone if you left them alone. Sleeping on the ground? Our bodies were so tired we could have literally slept anywhere. Senior Survival was changing us. Instead of going around complaining about every -
thing that we wanted and couldn’t have, we began to notice the things that we had been missing. The senior class was not just a class anymore, the senior class was a family. It didn’t matter if you spoke Portuguese, Spanish, English or Swahili. We were a family. It didn’t matter if you were on team A, B, or C. We were family. God became so real in the woods. We depended on Him out there on the mountain; it was He who protected us from hornets, bears, whatever was out there to hurt us. “I feel so much closer to God now that I’ve been out here,” JP Santos commented. “My class became so special after senior survival,” said Karina Ruiz. The experience was real. The seniors went into Senior Survival nervous and not united. But they stepped back on campus ready to take on the year and whatever challenges it is going to bring as a family. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Senior Survival isn’t surviving. It’s about finding yourself, finding God, and finding your family at SVA. P.S.- Word of advice to the Juniors? Take wipes and hammocks. Trust me.
This past Sunday, August 24, the long-awaited trip to Kings Dominion arrived for SVA’s upperclassmen. Even after a long day at Hideaway Sabbath, the Juniors and Seniors were up and ready to go at 6:30 in the morning. After embarking on a twohour road trip to Doswell, Virginia, we finally arrived at our destination. Once we had all entered the park, we all ran to our favorite rides in hope of not waiting in long lines. It seemed as if most of us were eagerly anticipating getting on the fastest and fiercest rides. Of these rides, The Intimidator 305 had a reputation for being a fast, powerful, and thrilling ride. With a 305-foot drop and a speed of 90 miles per hour, this ride caused people to scream, yell, and for some, even black out. Surprisingly, the line for the Intimidator was not too long, especially given that there was only one train of carts working.
“We saw the mechanics fixing one of the carts,” says Junior Carla Navarro. “By the time it was our turn to ride, they had claimed to have fixed the problems, but we were kind enough to let the people behind us pass in front of us and test the ride for themselves.” Truly, The Intimidator 305 was a memorable ride that left people pumped up with energy for more.
Kings Dominion
KAtHeryN SAVeGNAGO
Another popular ride was Volcano, The Blast Coaster. After impatiently waiting on line for thirty minutes, we had finally taken our seats on the ride. We fastened our seatbelts and read the sign in front of our seats that suggested that we prepare for launch. As the ride approached a dark tunnel, we all were blasted 155 feet in the air at 70 miles per hour while we faced a series of loops, twists, and turns. Given that we decided to ride after eating lunch, we hoped and prayed that all the food we had eaten would stay inside of us. According to Junior Chloe Pettit, she got stuck on the ride and panicked for a little while until they let them back behind the gates, again waiting in line. Unfortunately, she was not rewarded with season passes for the malfunction like we were. However, she was able to get back on the ride, and similar to everyone else, had a great time! By the time we had all gotten off, our heads pounded as we tried to recover from being thrown around aimlessly on the ride. Of all the rides, one of my personal favorite was Drop Tower: Scream Zone. Not only were the ride operators extremely friendly and funny, but they also sang to us as they sent us 305 feet into the air. As the ride slowly approached the top, we were able to take in a stunning
view in which we are able to see the entire park and more. Although the scene may suggest that we were all in peace, the most frightening part of the ride was the experience of going up. The suspense of not knowing when we would drop made us all anxious. The ride dropped us 272 feet to the ground at 72 miles an hour. Personally, by the time I had reached the ground I felt like my heart and stomach were still making their way back down into my body. The ride was somewhat frightening, but it left us wanting more.
The overall purpose of SVA’s annual Kings Dominion trip is to bring the Junior and Senior classes closer together. I would definitely claim Sunday’s trip as a success, because not only did we all have a great time, but we also bonded and made memories that will last for a lifetime. For the Senior class, this was their last trip to Kings Dominion as SVA students. Based on Instagram pictures and stories on Snapchat, it was clear that everyone was having a wonderful time. It was a great day, and on behalf of the Junior class, we will all be anticipating next year’s exciting trip to the thrill-infusing park.
Congratulations to all of the new class officers!
Seniors:
President: Austin Plank
Vice President: James Matthews
Treasurer: Sarah Lim
Secretary: Julia Jedamski
Pastor: Ryan VandeVere
Sgt. of Arms: Robert Moncada
Senator: Trace Wilkens
Senator: Krisi Koliadko
Social Secretary: Annabelle Suleiman
Juniors: President: Katheryn Savegnago
Vice President: Amber Lawhorn
Treasurer: Ellerab Dorval
Secretary: Meredith Shuen
Pastor: Karen Vallado
Sgt. of Arms: Chloe Pettit
Senator: Paola Nago
Senator: Ming Kim
Senator: Andrew Moore
Freshman Officers: Have not been released yet
Sophomores: President: Noe Grady
Vice President: Maddy Ndahayo
Treasurer: Madeleine Ware
Secretary: Amber Mundy
Pastor: Brenda Ngetich
Sgt. of Arms: Mike Sewell
Senator: Karen Cruz-Cruz
Senator: Barry Armstrong
Social Secretary: Becky Renderos
As a graduate of SVA, i am a living testimony to useful learning i experienced on this campus that prepared me to be of service in many ways.
Principal’s Welcome
priNCipAL JOHN WAGNer
One of the most common phrases students hear is, “What did you learn today?” Whether it’s parents asking their kids, or teachers quizzing their students, the focus is on learning.
I’m pleased to welcome you to a new school year at SVA, a place where this learning is taking place, and where students can respond to both parents and teachers--”I learned math, I learned music, I learned to work, I learned how to learn and, most importantly, I learned to know Jesus as a Friend!”
I’m pleased to welcome you in particular because this is where I learned so much that prepared me for life. As a graduate of SVA, I am a living testimony to useful learning I experienced on this campus that prepared me to be of service in many ways. I wish for you the same positive experience that I had many years ago, and, along with the faculty and staff, I welcome you to this year’s adventures in learning!
Remember, success is absolutely guaranteed IF you remember and practice the truth in Proverbs 3:6: In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
new staff
KAreN Leb-HerNANDez
The new year has begun here at Shenandoah Valley Academy. With the new year comes not only new students, but also new faculty. This year we have several new staff members. Our nurse, Mrs. Darlene Anderson, has been working so hard these past weeks to get everything needed from each student. We also have a new Spanish teacher, Ms.Shanteny Calvin, and a new recruiter,
On Sabbath morning seven girls spent an hour getting ready for Sabbath school, although they were going to change soon after. These girls were all juniors. Their names were Karen Vallado, Peyton Ware, Amber Lawhorn, Tatiana Melendez, Hannah Charles, Kimberly Owen, and Meredith Schuen. The supervisor was Mrs Griffin. They were going change soon after Sabbath school because they were going to “feed the rats,” an event wherein SVA’s NHS provides cookies and drinks to some cadets from Virginia Military Institute undergoing the difficult task of jogging from their campus in Lynchburg, VA, to the New Market battle grounds. This trek, about 80 miles long, began on Friday and was to end on Sabbath. When they stop to get lunch on Sabbath, they also get free cookies and water thanks to this kind act of the NHS. After Sabbath school was over, the seven girls and
Mr. Dan Jensen. We also have Mr. Chris Simons, who helps our school in fundraising. One of his main goals here at SVA is to help our school thrive. We also have new personnel in the dorms—Dean Azariah Anderson in the boys’ dorm, and task force deans Tony Daniels (’12) and Cassie Wilson (’09). Welcome to all new staff; we’re glad you’re here!
feeding the Rats
KiMberLy OWeNS
Mrs. Griffin loaded the bus with a large cooler filled with ice, water, and Gatorade, and a tray of chocolate chip cookies. They rode the bus about ten miles to a Liberty Gas Station that shared its building with a Burger King, where the cadets were going to have lunch. The NHS members set up a small canopy with several chairs and tables. The canopy was very useful because of the shade it gave in the heat of the day. Mrs. Griffin and the girls sat in the shade and waited for the cadets to come. After a few minutes she went into the gas station and got some water. The girls talked for a while and had a great time. A lot of time passed and Mrs. Griffin allowed the girls to eat some of the cookies and drink some of the water. Still the cadets did not show up. Mrs. Campbell stopped by in her car and she talked to Mrs. Griffin and they decided that Mrs. Campbell would drive down the road that the
cadets were supposed to be coming from to see how far away they were. She called a few minutes later to tell Mrs. Griffin that she did not see them. This started to worry the girls. Karen then remembered that her aunt had said that the event was happening the following Saturday! The girls and Mrs. Griffin scoured the internet and called a lot of people to find out when the event was. Apparently, Mrs. Griffin and the girls had driven to the gas station and set up on the wrong day! They had even told curious onlookers that they were going to feed the cadets that day. Sadly, they repacked the canopy and placed the cookies and cooler into the bus. On the return trip, they all vowed to come back next week, to feed the cadets on the correct date. Check the next paper to see what happened to the girls and Mrs. Griffin when they returned.
Class Parties
MADDy NDAHAyO
It’s that time of year again— time for the highly-anticipated class parties. This year, instead of each class having separate parties, we all had one party together. Everyone came to the cafe at 8:30 and was served chips and dip, soda, rootbeer floats, and just plain ice cream. After everyone got their food we started watching a movie, Invincible,
about a 30-year-old guy who went to an open tryout for the Eagles football team and made it. Because it was really noisy we did not watch the whole movie in one sitting. The staff decided that we should vote for our class officers and then if we wanted to, come back and finish the movie. So all of the classes went their separate ways, Freshmen staying in the
cafeteria, Sophomores to Mrs. Griffin’s room, and Juniors to Mrs. Patrick’s room. Once we finished, some people came back into the cafeteria while others went to the dorm. In my opinion, I think the class parties were quite enjoyable. They gave us a time to bond as a school, even without the Seniors there.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am i in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
oshkosh 2014: forever faithful
pAOLA NAGO
Wet, freezing, and smelly are in the top ten words to best describe the campers at the 2014 International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh. Shining, ablaze, and renewed are some of the words to best describe the spiritual lives of every child, teen, and adult in that camp. Even though the first days were miserable, we all held on and pushed through the rain and wind that threatened to destroy the wonderful plans that were in store that week. However, even through all this bad weather, people were helping each other out. There were people pushing cars through the street that had gotten stuck in the mud and people giving out cups of hot chocolate and ramen to those passing by. Just as we were losing hope, the skies cleared and the sun came out. Looking back, the hard first days really reflected the theme of the year, “Forever Faithful.”
Every evening, an ocean of Pathfinders gathered together to watch the closing progam of the day. Worship songs echoed through the whole city, and the powerful story of Daniel was performed in a live-action play. The kids really enjoyed these plays and looked forward to them.
Every night, standing up and looking over the crowd of well over 45,000 people, we got a feeling of power and strength that can only come from God. While seeing this amazing scene a Bible verse came to mind: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20
While at Oshkosh, I had the honor of interacting with these kids. Being there, I worked with Mr. Jensen and Ashley Jensen as a helper for recruitment; Barry Armstrong, Lei Edwards, and Brenda Ngetich also helped.
As we talked to the kids about their future and how SVA could play a significant part, we saw that many kids loved the idea. We not only talked to them, but we also handed out candy, glow sticks, and hacky sacks. Handing out these trinkets, I got to meet people from all over the world and see the same fire for God in all of them. Many of them voiced that they were very interested in coming to join our SVA family for their coming high school years. Walking around the campsites, spreading as far as the eye can see, were tents. These living conditions felt like the
ones in the Bible, and gave us all a sense of how people must have lived then. Crossing streets, we saw the beautiful creations of each conference’s description of itself. Also by walking around, we saw kids from all over the world interacting with each other, trading pins and talking about the exciting things they had done that day. We also observed mile-long lines of people waiting for their turn for the port-a-potties. There was also a constant buzz through the whole camp of talking, laughing, and instruments. We couldn’t help but be amazed at how great a God we all
serve, One who can bring people of all nations, races, and backgrounds to one place to worship His Majesty. Seeing all this, I have come to a conclusion that no matter how old you are or how far you are from Oshkosh, going to an International Camporee is something everyone should experience in his or her lifetime. This experience, even though difficult in some ways, was also a blessing and a memory that will be treasured always.
Candlelight Vespers
AUStiN pLANK
On the evening of Friday, August 22, 2014, the students at Shenandoah Valley Academy started getting ready for the very first vespers of the year. The girls and guys did all they could so they could look their best. However, this wasn’t just any ordinary vespers. This was a special vespers. As is tradition, the first vespers of the year is a time when students and staff go to different locations around campus to pray for a particular group of people. Then, we meet at the flagpole to pray for the student body as a whole.
The evening started out with a service in the church. Praise team led out with great music that got students into worship mode. After we sang a few songs, Pastor Harley talked to us about how we need to change our hearts to accept the word of God. He used the parable of the new wine needing to be in new wineskins. It was a good talk.
Once Pastor Harley finished preaching, we divided into small groups led out by his
college Bible class. Each student had been given a small, colored piece of paper when they entered the church; this assigned then to a student leader. Each student leader was accompanied by a faculty member. Groups spread out all over campus to places like the ad building, dorms, maintenance area, gymnasium, and the student center. Once each group finished praying, they all met back at the flagpole, where candles were distributed. Pastor Harley and Principal Wagner lit their candles first and then they lit other peoples’ candles. Once everyones’ candles were lit, we had a special prayer to ask God to bless our school, and the whole school family. After the prayer of dedication, we sang a song, and blew out our candles.
After the main vespers program was over, we had our first afterglow, where people gave personal testimonies and sang songs. The whole service was really good and it was an awesome way to start off the 2014- 2015 school year.
Handshake
JULiA JeDAMSKi
for the rest of the students.
August 18, 2014
The first day of school finally arrived after a long summer and a very busy weekend of registration. At the end of the day, it was time to meet and greet everyone by our traditional handshake to start off the school year. When the student body gathered in the auditorium, we could see and hear the excitement coming from the students as they cheered for their class. To start off the handshake,
faculty went outside to start the line, followed by the freshmen. Once the freshmen had left the building, Mrs. Weidemann got up front by the stage to entertain the students as we were waiting for our turn to go outside. Next the Sophomores, and then the Juniors went outside. Only Seniors, the class of 2015, were left in the auditorium. Our President, Austin Plank, stood up at that time to address the class about our “Senior Class Surprise”
The plan was to dip our left hand in caramel. Then as we went through to shake hands we would wait until the last Senior got to shake the first freshman’s hand, then Seth Hardin would yell out, “Who are we?” and the Senior class would answer back “Seniors!” Then all together we would take our right hand and grab the person in front of us with our right hand, getting caramel on them. So the Seniors all lined up and we put our
Burger King crowns on and dipped out left hands into caramel and exited the building. The staff were the first people to see us with our left hands hidden behind our backs. With smiles on our faces we tried to hide our plan. Students were hesitant to shake our hands. Our scheme did not work out quite as planned, though. I was pretty far down the line and could not hear the call to start our surprise. All of
a sudden we heard a scream and the whole student body dispersed. The Seniors then took the hands of and got caramel on those unlucky students who did not move fast enough. Screams continued to come and students were everywhere. Seniors were even getting other Seniors with caramel! Danny Jimenez and Ryan VandeVere got caramel all over my face. Once things had settled down a little bit, we all went to the water spigot to try and get the
caramel off our skin and out of our hair. So much for a “handshake.” No one wanted to shake hands after that. Even after washing up, everyone was still quite sticky. Following all of this, we got to have an ice cream social. The whole evening was a blast, and it will be hard for following classes to beat the reaction that the Senior class of 2015 accomplished with caramel.
The whole evening was a blast, and it will be hard for following classes to beat the reaction that the Senior class of 2015 accomplished with caramel.
I would like to personally welcome all of our Shenandoah Valley Academy students and staff! It is so refreshing to see all the new faces on campus. I know that the end of summer can be extremely painful (especially if you were having a blast, which I hope you all did); however, coming to SVA is definitely an awesome part of the year. The friends you will make and the opportunities that you will have during the school year are so special and exciting. For some of you, this is your first year away from home. I know that that can be terrifying, but thankfully, SVA will start to feel just like home. Your friends become your brothers and sisters, the
teachers become your parents, and you become much, much closer to God. No, SVA might not be anything like Zoey 101 (honestly, there is no place on earth as perfect as that!), but that does not mean you cannot enjoy your time here. It takes more effort to have a bad year at SVA than to have an amazing one. For all returning students, I am glad that you enjoyed your previous years at SVA enough to return. I want to encourage all returning students to continue to stay motivated and excited for this year. With your help and positive attitudes, we can all make this year incredible. All students are part of the Student Association. Anyone can make suggestions or voice
This year’s SA Officers are:
Marcie Ndahayo- Vice President
Julie Nam- Secretary Sarah Lim- Treasurer
Ming Kim- Social Secretary River Anderson- Pastor
concerns to any of the officers. SA officers are here to serve YOU. The job of the Student Association is to make sure the students are well represented and well entertained. Throughout the school year, my officers and I will plan fun events such as Fall and Spring Picnic, Fall Festival, Banquet, movie nights, and several other activities. Also, SA and the administration will work together to make sure that students feel respected.
This year is going to be fantastic, I just know it. Shenandoah Valley Academy is a blessing—it has definitely changed my life in many ways. I hope that it can do the same for all of you.
Ashley Alvarado- Secretary of Fundraising James Matthews- Secretary of Academics Jennifer Pena- Secretary of Advertising Reiss Ramirez- Secretary of Community Relations and YOU.
We at SVA call our first Sabbath of the year Hideaway Sabbath. It is a time to bond and usher in the new kids, and we usually go off campus to a local park for this welcome-back event.
This year, unlike recent years, we stayed to go to church and were greeted and loved by our church members. R.O.K. Ministries (Reach Our Kids) provided each high school student a goody bag with various gifts inside. Then after church was over, we rushed to change
Hideaway sabbath ANDreA HerrerA
and loaded the buses for the park. At the park, we ate lunch and split up into our faculty family groups. In our groups we played a get-to-knowyou type game. Then we commenced to pick a story to portray a nature lesson in the form of a skit. My group chose to do the story of when David killed a lion. After each group came up with a skit of their own, we performed and the results were very creative. The skits are a major crowd pleaser. Every
group performed a different view on a Bible story that had to do with nature. I think it is safe to say that Mr. Twomley’s group, who won first place, was the funniest and most entertaining of all. After the skits, we all had time to ourselves to reflect, hang out with friends, go to the river, or walk the tightrope. It was a fun day of jamming and swimming that ended with a dinner of hotdogs and s’mores.
“My favorite part of Hideaway Sabbath was hanging out and talking with my amazing friends by the river, as well as reuniting with my faculty family.”
(Sr.)
“My favorite part of Hideaway Sabbath was playing tag with Marcie Ndahayo, Karen LebHernandez, Amber Mundy, Maddy Ndahayo, and Brenda Ngetich.”
“I enjoyed faculty family skits, and just being outdoors. I also enjoyed walking across the river and jumping off the rock into the river. It was just a fun day to hang out and eat food.”
the
Mitzi bame
mitzi.bame@sva-va.org
Sarah Lim sarah.lim@student.sva-va.org
Tatiana Melendez, Editor
Peyton Ware, Editor
Mrs. Boyer White, Sponsor
Letters to the Editors:
The Shen-Val-Lore welcomes your letters. All letters must contain the writer’s name and phone number. All unsigned letters will be omitted. The Shen-Val-Lore reserves the right to edit your letters for space and clarity, and to reject any letters. Place all letters under the door of the newspaper room or mail tham to: Shen-Val-Lore, 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844.
The Shen-Val-Lore is the official student newspaper of Shenandoah Valley Academy and is published by the students. The opinions and views expressed in the Shen-Val-Lore are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, Shenandoah Valley Academy, staff and faculty, or the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.